ASIA

1. ASIA ENVIRONMENTAL UNDERSTANDINGS Water Pollution (Ganges & Yangtze Rivers)

2. ASIAEnvironmental UNDERSTANDINGS • SS7G10 – The student will discuss environmental issues across Southern and Eastern Asia. a. Describe the causes and effects of pollution on the Yangtze and Ganges Rivers.

3. First five Agenda Message: CDA-IV has been re-scheduled to next Thursday, March 20th. CDA-IV Study Guides go home today. Standard: Describe the causes and effects of water pollution on the Ganges & Yangtze Rivers. Essential Question for Thursday, March 13th: What is responsible for almost 70% of India’s air pollution problem in urban areas? Warm-Up: What is the definition for Human Capital? Today We Will: • Cover Water Pollution Issues in India

4. answers E.Q. Answer for Thursday March 13th: Some estimates say that automobile emissions (carbons and other chemicals that come from a car’s engine) are responsible for almost 70% of the air pollution problem in urban areas of India. Warm-Up Answer: Human Capital is the education and training provided for workers.

5. First five Agenda Message: CDA-IV is next Thursday, March 20th. Use your CDA Study Guides to “Prepare for Success”! Standard: Describe the causes and effects of air pollution in India & China. Essential Question for Friday, March 14th:What are the three primary causes of water pollution in China along the Yangtze River? Warm-Up: What are the four primary causes of water pollution in India? Today We Will: • Water Pollution Issues in China

6. answers E.Q. Answer for Friday March 14th: • Millions of gallons of raw sewage is dumped into the river on a daily basis • Chemicals from agricultural fertilizers, and • Industrial wastes Warm-Up Answer: • 400 million people use the river for human needs • Industrial wastes and Chemicals used in fertilizers • Remains of cremated bodies & dead animals • Human wastes

7. ASIAEnvironmental UNDERSTANDINGS The Ganges River The Ganges River begins in the Himalayan Mountains and flows 1600 miles through India and Bangladesh to the Bay of Bengal. This river provides water for human needs and transportation for the over 400 million people who live in its river valley.

8. ASIAEnvironmental UNDERSTANDINGS It is known as “Mother Ganges.” In spite of the river’s importance and its place in the spiritual lives of Indians, the quality of the water has become poor.

9. ASIAEnvironmental UNDERSTANDINGS Primary Causes of Ganges River Pollution • Chemicals used in fertilizer and industry are washed into the river every day. • Untreated human and animal waste also foul the river. • The bodies of dead animals as well as the cremated remains of human beings regularly float down the river. • Over 400 million people use the river for daily human needs

10. ASIAEnvironmental UNDERSTANDINGS In spite of this, many Indians bathe in the Ganges. They also use the water for drinking and cooking. Cities along the Ganges have the highest rates of water-born diseases (diseases found in drinking water) of any who live in India.

11. ASIAEnvironmental UNDERSTANDINGS Still, these cities pour millions of gallons of sewage (water containing waste products) into the river to be carried to cities and villages farther south. Outbreaks of such diseases as cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and hepatitis are common. Most officials say polluted river water is a major part of the reason.

12. ASIAEnvironmental UNDERSTANDINGS India did begin a program called the Ganges Action Plan in 1985 to try and clean up the river. Many sewage and water treatment plants have been built along the river since the start of that program.

13. ASIAEnvironmental UNDERSTANDINGS However, the growing population of India and the run-off from industrial and farm production have meant that clean-up efforts fall short of what is needed.

14. ASIAEnvironmental UNDERSTANDINGS The Yangtze River The Yangtze River, flows almost 3,400 miles from the northwestern part of China to the East China Sea. The Yangtze River passes through over 185 towns where almost 400 million people live.

15. ASIAEnvironmental UNDERSTANDINGS Pumping stations along the river take water out to supply people with water for drinking, irrigation, and industrial uses. Millions of gallons of sewage are dumped into the river, along with chemicals from agricultural runoff and industrial wastes.

16. ASIAEnvironmental UNDERSTANDINGS Nitrogen from fertilizers and arsenic (a poisonous chemical) from industrial uses are leading pollutants found in the Yangtze’s waters. The pollution in the river put all of the cities along its banks at risk. Many species of plants and animals that once lived in the river are becoming extinct.

17. ASIAEnvironmental UNDERSTANDINGS The high levels of nitrogen and phosphates lead to the growth of blue-green algae. This growth reduces the oxygen in the water causing fish to die. Contaminated fish are caught and eaten by the Chinese people, leading to other health problems.

18. ASIAEnvironmental UNDERSTANDINGS China is building more water treatment facilities (which is the process of removing contaminants from wastewater).

19. ASIAEnvironmental UNDERSTANDINGS China is encouraging cities along the river to build sanitary landfills* for garbage rather than dumping the contaminants into the river. (*Areas where waste is isolated from the environment until it is safe). International organizations like the World Bank have worked with Chinese authorities to organize such programs.

20. ASIAEnvironmental UNDERSTANDINGS The massive Three Gorges Dam was built along the Yangtze River in central China to provide hydroelectric power to millions of Chinese who have not had electricity. Some people feel the dam project was begun without taking into account the effects such a project would have on the environment.

21. ASIAEnvironmental UNDERSTANDINGS A number of species of plants and animals that live along the river where the dam was built are now threatened with extinction. Another concern about the dam is that it was built in an area prone to earthquakes.